When working on collaborative BIM projects, models are frequently updated and revised. Keeping everyone in sync with the latest model version is essential to prevent coordination issues and outdated information. BIMcollab Zoom offers several ways to manage and reload these updated models efficiently.
You can handle model versions in three main ways:
From the WebViewer
From a Project Folder
By Loading Local Models
Each method behaves differently depending on whether your team:
Keeps the same file name for each version, or
Adds version numbers for each file name (e.g.,
Model_v2.ifc,Model_v3.ifc)
1. From the WebViewer
How it works
When you replace a model in the WebViewer using the Add version option, the model name in the project remains the same, even if the uploaded file has a different file name.
If your team keeps the same filename
Replace the model in the WebViewer using the 'Add version' option or drag-and-drop.
The model is automatically updated in BIMcollab Zoom after reconnecting to the online project; no manual action is needed.
The name stays the same, ensuring a smooth model versioning process.
If your team adds version numbers
(e.g., Architecture_v2.ifc, Architecture_v3.ifc)
The WebViewer will continue displaying the original model name, even though the file behind it has changed.
To update models:
Delete the old versions from the project, and
Load the new files with their updated names.
Alternatively, maintain the same name for consistency and check the version under Properties → Summary → Model.
WebViewer: 
BIMcollab Zoom:
2. From a Project Folder
How it works
When you connect to an online project with a linked project folder, BIMcollab Zoom automatically loads all models from that folder.
If your team keeps the same filename
When a newer version overwrites the previous file in the shared folder (same name, same location), BIMcollab Zoom will automatically reload the updated model after a reconnection to the online project, no manual reloading required.
This approach ensures a seamless model versioning workflow.
If your team adds version numbers
(e.g., Structure_v2.ifc, Structure_v3.ifc)
Older versions will not be overwritten automatically.
In the Model Tree, you may see:
Red models → files that were deleted or replaced in the shared folder.
Grey models → new files that are available but not yet loaded.
How to update
Right-click the grey models → select Load model.
Right-click the red models → select Remove from project.
The latest model versions will now appear in the Model Tree.
3. Loading Local Models
How it works
When working offline with a .BCP file (BIMcollab project file), models are loaded from your local file paths.
If a file is moved, renamed, or deleted, it will appear red in the Model Tree because Zoom can no longer locate it.
If your team keeps the same filename
Replace or overwrite the existing file in the same folder.
When reopening your
.BCPfile, Zoom will automatically find and load the new version, since the filename and path are unchanged.
If your team adds version numbers
(e.g., MEP_v2.ifc)
The model link in Zoom will no longer match the filename.
To update it manually:
Go to the Navigation tab.
Right-click the missing (red) model and choose Update model.
Browse to the new version file.
If the filename differs, Zoom will ask:
“The file you selected has a different name than currently in the project. Do you want to replace the file in the project with this file: ‘NewFileName’?”
Click Yes to confirm and replace the file reference and name.
💡 Tip: To learn more about the meaning of the model name colors (e.g., red, grey, or black) in BIMcollab Zoom, see:
Why do the model names in my project have different colors?